Reversible Clearance Indicator Assembly with Torsion Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clearance indicators for overhead obstacles are often complex, costly, and inefficient in providing effective warnings to vehicle drivers, failing to adequately protect vehicles and structures from damage.
Innovation Solution
A simple and cost-effective clearance indicator assembly featuring a vertically mounted, pivotable horizontal clearance bar with an angular 'V' shape, pre-tensioned by a torsion spring mechanism, which pivots between stationary and displaced positions upon vehicle contact, reducing wind resistance and allowing easy mounting and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex electronic alert systems or multi-component mechanical assemblies are used, then detection precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential warning function from complex electronic systems and implements it through a simple mechanical indicator bar that changes position (from retracted to extended) to indicate overhead clearance. This eliminates unnecessary electronic components while maintaining the core warning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active sensors to detect vehicles and trigger warnings, the patent uses a passive mechanical indicator that is physically moved by the vehicle's presence (through air pressure or direct contact) to provide visual feedback. This inverted approach simplifies the system by removing power sources and control electronics.
2Illumination intensity
If large horizontal clearance bars are used to provide visible warnings, then illumination intensity and visibility improve, but wind resistance and structural load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance indicator bar is designed to be dynamically positioned - retracted when not in use to minimize wind resistance, and extended only when needed to provide visibility warnings. This dynamic deployment resolves the contradiction between visibility and wind resistance by making the large surface area temporary rather than permanent.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator bar uses high-visibility materials (such as reflective or fluorescent coatings) concentrated on the extended bar surface, providing maximum visibility intensity only where and when needed, rather than requiring the entire structure to be large and visible at all times.
3Reliability
If permanently mounted clearance bars are used, then stability and reliability improve, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components - the indicator bar is separated from the support structure through a mechanical coupling (such as a pivot point or telescopic connection). This allows the bar to be independently removed and replaced without disturbing the entire mounting structure, resolving the contradiction between stable mounting and easy replacement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly provides an effective and economical warning system that reduces wind resistance and facilitates easy installation and maintenance, enhancing driver awareness and safety while minimizing damage to vehicles and structures.
Implementation Method 1
pre-tensioned by a torsion spring mechanism, which pivots between stationary and displaced positions upon vehicle contact
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing a preliminary alert to the driver of a vehicle of an approaching overhead obstacle of a given height. A horizontal clearance bar is pivotally attached to a vertical support post which allows the clearance bar to move, after contact by a vehicle, to alert the vehicle driver to an upcoming obstruction without damaging the vehicle. The clearance bar is mounted at a slight angle with respect to the support bar, allowing it to use the force of gravity in returning from an extended position to an initial rest position. The vertical support has mounting holes on either of two opposing sides in a particular pattern which allows one clearance bar to be mounted on either side, or a pair of clearance bars to be mounted on opposite sides of the vertical support by merely flipping the position of one of the clearance bars relative to the other.